Rice, Minnesota
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rice is a city in Benton County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 711 at the 2000 census. Its zip code also encompasses three townships: Watab Township, Langola Township and Graham Township.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.8 km² (6.1 mi²). 15.5 km² (6.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (1.80%) is water.
The terrain is largely sandy and flat. Numerous pine and poplar intersperse irrigated farm fields.
The Mississippi River is located west of Rice, and Little Rock Lake is located east.
[edit] History
Originally an Objibwe territory, Sand Prairie, saw its first settlers of European origin in the autumn of 1844.[1] Under a mandate of the United States government and after the Objibwe ceded their land in the Treaty of 1837[2], the Territory of Minnesota was established in 1849. Benton County became one of nine organized counties. The Village of Rice was named after Massachusetts born [3] hotelier and mill owner, George T. Rice. Rice migrated to the Village of Langola[4] in 1864 to develop the area. In 1877, the Northern Pacific Railroad began passing through the Rice Railroad Station. As a direct result of the railroad traffic, George T. Rice hired F.W. Earl to build the Luther hotel. The Village of Rice became officially incorporated within Benton County, on July 18, 1890, as a farming community.[5]
In 1993, Rice, MN was named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation.
Rice has been awarded the "Minnesota Star City" designation for economic development.
[edit] Culture
[edit] Historical Sites
- Immaculate Conception Church
- Old Rice Village Hall
[edit] Festivals and Special Activities
- Rice Loves Its Kids Month
- (February)
- Memorial Day Remembrance
- Summerfest
- (takes place in June)
- Little Rock Lake 4th of July Pontoon Parade
- Half-Way Jam Outdoor Rock Music Festival
- (takes place annually during summer)
- Rice Fun Day and Kiddie Parade
- (takes place on the third Saturday in August)
- Arts and Craft Show
- (takes place on the first weekend of September)
- 9/11 Remembrance
- Veteran's Day Remembrance
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance
[edit] Outdoor Activities
- Benton Beach on Little Rock Lake is frequented by campers, fishermen and boaters during the summer, and ice fishermen in the winter. The lake itself is maintained by the Little Rock Lake Association.[6]
- Hunting is extremely popular in Rice. The city has its own game preserve and two taxidermy shops. Meat raffles are a typical fundraising activity.
- Athletic sports, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicles, bicycling, and motorcycling are commonly enjoyed activities as well.
[edit] Curiosities
- Rice Blacksmith Saw and Machine is an active family-owned blacksmith shop that has been in operation since 1940.
- Rice's only lending library is located inside a laundrymat within the Old Creamery Cafe. It is privately-owned, and self-service with no librarian in charge. There is neither a checkout nor are there deadlines. Books aren't necessarily expected to return, but generally do. Its growing and everchanging collection is acquired mostly through anonymous donations that are deposited inside wooden box. It is maintained by the Rice Women of Today and the restaurant staff.
- Rice has a free self-service vegetable stand that occasionally sells inexpensive flowers using the honor system. It is partially funded by donations.
[edit] Nightlife and Local Eateries
- Alamo Liquors
- Von's Primetime
- O'Brien's Pub
- Rumors Bar and Grill
- Old Creamery Cafe
- Twin Pines Restaurant
[edit] Churches
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
- Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church
- Graham Methodist Church
[edit] Community Organizations and Clubs
- Rice Chamber of Commerce
- American Legion & Auxiliary
- Rice Women of Today
- Rice Lions Club
- Little Rock Lake Association
- Rice Area Sportsmen's Club
- International Cartoonist Conspiracy -- Rice, MN Local
Additionally, Rice has many faith-based and public education volunteer groups that are active in the community.
[edit] Other Attractions
Other attractions include the Great River Bike Trail, an art gallery, several parks, softball fields and an ice skating rink.
[edit] Education
[edit] K-12
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools system operates three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and has a District Office for Home School. Rice Elementary School is the only one of these schools located within the city of Rice. As with other Minnesota school systems, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools system has open enrollment. The athletic team for the middle and high school is the Storm[1]
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 711 people, 247 households, and 185 families residing in the city. The population density was 45.8/km² (118.8/mi²). There were 250 housing units at an average density of 16.1/km² (41.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.87% White, 0.70% Native American, 0.14% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.28% of the population.
There were 247 households out of which 48.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.35.
In the city the population was spread out with 35.4% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 15.3% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $48,173, and the median income for a family was $52,222. Males had a median income of $32,794 versus $22,279 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,882. About 5.2% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 33.3% of those age 65 or over.
